For 15 straight years in Japan, I was just at the back of the wheel and had rare train & bus rides. I really enjoyed driving around Kanto Area and once I drove to Kyushu Area for 18 hours one …
Throughout March 2019, I’ll be posting OIJs (Only/Original in Japan). Enjoy learning the unique enterprises, culture, theme parks, food, etc. in the Land of the Rising Sun. First to feature is “sakura” — Japan’s most popular flower. Savor the Spring season by …
Such a short time to catch up with my Singaporean friends over Japanese dinner a few days ago. Actually, they’re now based in Australia and the United Kingdom but flew from South Korea as the New Zealand-born husband works there. …
When I taught at Fujiya Company through the introduction of the YMCA, I was so impressed by how the employees were preparing for its 100th year anniversary. Actually, I was so surprised at how the company can stay that long. …
As I eat my late dinner tonight, I thought of the many OIJs that I have to write this month. To digest well what I’m eating, I munch and write and chew and type down the OIJs and they exceeded 31! So I …
Today marks the 8th year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. At 2:46 PM, the Japanese people stand up wherever they are and offer silent prayers for the victims of the natural disaster. It’s the time the …
What a joy and privilege to teach a 7-dan female karate instructor, who co-owns with her 8-dan master karate instructor-husband around 20 “dojo” (schools) in West Tokyo! I actually learned a lot about this OIJ (Original in Japan) sport in our classes for more …
In the early 1990s, I lived in the Ward area of Tokyo where “sumo” wrestlers were a common site for me. On the train platform, even I closed my eyes, I knew the sumo wrestlers were coming because of the sound of …